Can I Afford to Live in Wilmington vs Chicago on $80K?
Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Wilmington NC | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,757 | $4,730 |
| 1BR rent | $1,550 | $1,900 |
| Groceries (est.) | $372 | $388 |
| Transport (est.) | $45 | $105 |
| Utilities | $158 | $165 |
| Internet | $62 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,570/month | $2,107/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $80K a good salary in Wilmington?
At $80K/year in Wilmington, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,757. With 1BR rent around $1,550/month, rent takes up 33% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Is $80K a good salary in Chicago?
At $80K/year in Chicago, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,730. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 40% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?
Wilmington leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,570/month vs $2,107/month in Chicago.
Can I afford to live alone in Wilmington on $80K?
Yes. At $80K in Wilmington, rent takes 33% of your take-home, leaving $2,570/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only